LANDSCAPE DRAWING SOFTWARE
LANDSCAPE DRAWING PROFESSIONAL

For example, a 100-foot driveway would be 10 inches on paper. Most landscape plans are drawn to a scale of 1:10, which means that 10 feet on the ground equals 1 inch on paper. A scaled drawing means that measurements taken outside will be drawn in a much smaller dimension on the paper, depending on the size of scale used. The drawing of the landscape should be scaled to accurately to depict the landscape and allow measurements to be taken from the drawing. Other than how the drawing is drafted, the process of drawing by hand or computer is similar. There are cheap versions of vector graphic programs and even some 'freeware' programs available that can create accurate drawings. If you are skilled with computers, the best programs are those that are used by landscape architects and engineers and draw using 'vector graphics' and 'real' measurements and dimensions. Many of the programs that provide 3-D imagery are less accurate and offer a selection of plants not always adapted to Georgia.

LANDSCAPE DRAWING SOFTWARE

There are many software programs available, but in general, those that are easy to use do not provide very accurate drawings and those that create accurate drawings take a long time to learn. Many people are uncomfortable with hand drawing and feel computer drafting is easier and more accurate. Otherwise, the drawing paper can be placed on a clean, smooth table. These special boards are expensive for one-time users, but may be worth the expense if drawing is a frequent activity. Some come with a sliding straight edge connected. Drawing boards and drafting tables are used by professionals to provide a clean, smooth surface for drawing. Everything can also be drawn free-hand, depending on your skill and the accuracy required. A common ruler and circular objects such as coins and jar lids can be used, and inexpensive templates are available from office supply stores. For example, circles are drawn to represent the approximate area covered by the tree canopy. Straight lines and circles are drawn to represent the elements of the landscape. With a base map complete, tracing paper can be laid overtop to experiment with different landscape ideas. Large sheets of white paper and graph paper are usually available wherever art supplies are sold and can also be found at blueprint supply companies. Blue-lined graph paper can be copied and the graph lines will not show if the copier is at a lighter setting. For example, if one square equals a square foot, a square that is four squares by four squares in size would represent 16 square feet. Each square on the graph paper can be used to represent a specific dimension. Graph paper helps beginners make accurate measurements and makes it easier to calculate the area of an enclosed space. Landscape architects usually draw on a strong tracing paper called vellum and then copy onto bond, which is the same paper used in most computer printers. The type of paper used to draw a landscape plan depends on the type of copy that will be made and how the plan will be used.

LANDSCAPE DRAWING PROFESSIONAL

Inexpensive pens with a rolling tip work almost as well as the more expensive professional pens with interchangeable heads. Smearing is also a potential problem with ink pens. Ink pens make clearer, darker lines, but erasing is almost impossible. Different pencil lead weights help depict the landscape features in different ways. The typical rating system for drafting pencils goes from 6H to 6B, where 6H is very hard and light and 6B is very soft and dark. Special drafting pencils vary based on the hardness of the lead. Most beginners prefer to draw landscape plans using a regular pencil and a good eraser. Features of the landscape are drawn with a sharp pencil or rolling ink pen. The base map is essentially a birdâ?s-eye view of the landscape.

(See UGA Extension Circular 1032-4, Drawing a Landscape Plan: Site Analysis, for more information on conducting a site analysis.) Drawing Materials The base map is usually drawn after completing a site analysis. Interesting landscape features such as rock outcroppings could also be drawn on a landscape base map. Some base maps also show details such as the location of overhead and underground utilities, streams, ditches and any easements or setbacks. The base map should also include the locations of meters, utility boxes and poles, as these are expensive to move and require occasional access. Draw the street in front of the house along with the property lines. The outline or footprint of the house should also include the location of doors, windows, heating and air conditioning units, and spigots. A good base map should show all structures, including sidewalks and driveways.

Landscape drawing